ARCS rewards scholars

President Val Peterson, left, with former CU President Judith Albino and ARCS member Jo Byyny. Photo Courtesy of Colorado chapter of the ARCS Foundation

Like a lot of kids, Ryan Kobrick dreamed of becoming an astronaut. That was then, and today he’s a doctoral candidate at the University of Colorado at Boulder, studying the abrasive nature of lunar dust, with the goal of helping scientists design better, safer and more durable spacesuits and spacecraft.
Which puts him one step closer to blasting off into outer space.
Kobrick is one of 33 science, engineering and medical students from CU-Boulder and other Colorado schools who were given a cumulative $165,000 in scholarships when Colorado chapter of the ARCS Foundation (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) held its annual luncheon at the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus.
In addition, Dr. Michael Bristow was recognized as the chapter’s “Honoree of the Year” for his contributions to the scientific community. Bristow, a professor of medicine and co-director of the Colorado Cardiovascular Institute at the UC Denver School of Medicine, is being honored for his groundbreaking work in explaining key molecular mechanisms underlying heart failure and the use of beta-blockers for its treatment. He also is a founder of Myogen Inc., a company formed by CU faculty to research and treat heart failure.
The CU-Boulder students who were ARCS Scholars for 2008 were:
o Ryan Kobrick, who is working on a doctorate in aerospace engineering sciences. He is studying the abrasive nature of lunar dust, specifically the fundamentals of abrasive wear. A better understanding of abrasive wear will help scientists design better and safer spacesuits, spacecraft and robotics, allowing for longer space missions.
o Kyle Lampe, a doctoral candidate in chemical engineering. His research is in tissue engineering, and his thesis project is to develop polymer-based hydrogel and drug delivery systems in order to tissue engineer the re-creation of the nigrostriatal pathway, the area of the brain primarily affected by Parkinson’s disease. He wants to be a professor and continue his research in the tissue-engineering field.
o Kyle Landgraf, who is studying toward a doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biophysics. His research involves understanding chemical signals within cells so researchers can design new therapeutic strategies for treating diseases where cell malfunction is prevalent. He plans to pursue a research career in biochemical engineering.
o Lisa Mayhew, who is working toward a doctorate in geological sciences. Her research focuses on helping the understanding of the origin and evolution of life on Earth and the potential for life on other planets like Mars. Specifically, she studies microorganisms that survive in extreme conditions associated with volcanic environments to understand the relationship between the geochemistry of these environments and the metabolic capabilities of the microorganisms.
o Jonathan Metts, a doctoral candidate in in aerospace engineering. His research involves designing a spacesuit that would have radiators built into it, allowing for long-term exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond. Current spacesuits use water as a coolant, an approach that will not work on Mars. He plans to work as a research engineer either for NASA, a national laboratory or a private company in the space industry.
o Colby Stoddard, who is pursuing a doctorate in biochemistry. His research is focused on identifying antibiotic targets by determining the three-dimensional structure of RNA molecules that are only found inside bacteria. Understanding the structure of these RNAs will allow the design of novel antibiotics to create a new line of defense against infectious disease. He wants to find a job where he can use his biochemistry background to create new metabolic pathways in bacteria so that industrial chemicals can be produced in a more sustainable and feasible manner. And,
o Will Wieder, who is pursuing a doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology. His research focuses on nutrient and carbon cycling in tropical forests, and includes experiments to determine how species composition and precipitation may impact soil processes like respiration. He plans to work in academia teaching and conducting research.
Val Peterson, ARCS president, welcomed the attendees and introduced the following university representatives: Karen Scoggins, ARCS member and wife of Colorado School of Mines president Myles “Bill” Scoggins; University of Colorado at Boulder Chancellor G.P. “Bud” Peterson, and Chancellor M. Roy Wilson, University of Colorado Denver.
Chancellor Wilson described the new-found appreciation of ARCS he has gained through his wife Suzanne Arkle Wilson, who has been an active ARCS member for two years. Wilson also had the honor of introducing Dr. Bristow, whose research has changed how heart failure is treated and who is a leading proponent of individualized medicine for cardiovascular diseases.
Bristow, in turn, said how amazing it is that ARCS operates with zero overhead and has the distinction of being “One of those organizations that under-promises and over-delivers.” To the scholars, Bristow encouraged them to “Figure out what you love to do and that the rest will be easy.”
CBS4 news anchor Jim Benemann introduced each of the scholarship recipients and spoke briefly about each one’s study focus. To commemorate Benemann’s 12th year of introducing the ARCS scholars, a scholarship in his name was awarded to Joanne Tuohy, a third-year veterinary medicine student at CSU, Benemann’s alma mater.
Other ARCS Scholars are studying subjects that include renewable energy, tissue engineering, teaching, storm water management, periodontic implantology, and oncology.
In addition to their studies, almost all of the scholars donate time to their local communities and abroad.
Scholarships of $5,000 each were presented to seven students from the University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, seven University of Colorado at Boulder students, three students at the University of Colorado Denver, nine Colorado State University students, and seven students from the Colorado School of Mines.
ARCS scholars are considered the “best and the brightest” undergraduate and graduate students majoring in science, medicine and engineering.
The luncheon was planned by Jo Byyny, Suzanne Arkle Wilson, Lyda Ludeman, Lisa Herickhoff, Ann Lowdermilk, Barbara Knepshield, Sherrye Berger, Wanda Newman, Danielle Okin, Cheryl Kisling and Shelley Thompson.
Since its inception in 1976, the chapter has awarded $2,346,500 in scholarships to 594 students. Approximately 80 percent of the recipients have chosen to remain in Colorado after completing their education.
Colorado chapter is one of 14 nationwide.

Photos taken at the scholarship lunch can be viewed at denverpost.com/seengallery

Denver Post Society Editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com

Study after study has shown that when it comes to charitable fundraisers, Denver has more per capita than any comparably sized city in the nation. Joanne Davidson has been covering them for The Denver Post since 1985, coming here from her native California where she'd spent the previous seven years as San Francisco bureau chief for U.S. News & World Report magazine.